Dog owner’s pets treated for poisoning after Ratsak deliberately scattered in their backyard

There are fears a potential pet killer could be on the loose in Melbourne’s east after a dog ate rat poison deliberately scattered in its yard.

Lauren Cullen with Cody and Digger, who she says were deliberately targeted by a n animal killer. Picture : George Salpigtidis

There are fears a potential pet killer could be on the loose in Melbourne’s east after a dog almost died when it ate rat poison scattered in its yard.

Pet owner Lauren Cullen rushed her two pups to the vet after her father-in-law, who was looking after the two dogs in Bayswater North, discovered one of the dogs chewing on a packet of Ratsak at 9.30am on Tuesday, January 22.

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After inducing vomiting in both dogs, a Boronia Veterinary Clinic vet discovered Cody, the kelpie-cross staffordshire terrier, had some of the killer pellets in its stomach.

The ingredients in the rat poison cause internal bleeding and Cody will be on medication for weeks to recover.

Ms Cullen believes someone jumped the fence into the back yard from a reserve that borders onto the property.

Lauren Cullen’s dog ate killer pellets from this box.

“Initially we thought (they had just dumped the box) but took the dogs to the vet anyway,” she said.

“When I was about to let the dogs back into the garden I saw it (pellets) everywhere, around the dogs’ bowls and scattered across the garden.”

She said the dogs were not incessant barkers and were always inside between 9pm and 7am every night.

Boronia police Sergeant Simon Peters said police were investigating.

RSPCA Victoria inspectorate team leader Guy Gorman said intentionally poisoning an animal was a crime and anyone found guilty of the cruelty offence could face fines of about $80,000 and up to two years’ jail.

“If you suspect that your pet has eaten a bait or poison, it is essential that you contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible, even if your animal is not exhibiting any adverse symptoms. Prompt veterinary intervention provides the best chance of recovery.”

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